Ear piece fitting and valve



July 17, 1956 E. A. KINDEL 2,754,519

EAR PIECE FITTING AND VALVE Filed March 25, 1952 INVEN TOR. fluorel4Aizvaez, BY

@0\. Y ATTORNEYS.

EAR PIECE FITTING AND VALVE Elmore A. Kindel, Cincinnati, Ohio, assignorto Protectears, Inc, Wyoming, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio ApplicationMarch 25, 1952, Serial No. 278,460

9 Claims. (Cl. 2-209) This invention relates to an ear piece fitting andvalve, and while it is capable of use in many situations, it isparticularly useful in connection with car pieces as disclosed andclaimed in my copending application, Serial No. 154,- 135, filed April5, 1950, now Patent No. 2,593,892.

In my said copending application I have disclosed an ear piece which inits preferred embodiment comprises an annular hollow member of smoothlyrounded surface which is adapted to seat against the human skull aroundthe outer ear. The tubular member is deformed independent of externalforces from a mean general plane and has protuberances in the regionadapted to contact the skull in front of the helix of the ear and in theregion adapted to contact the skull below the lobe of the ear, anddepressions intermediate said protuberances. The annular member isclosed on the side away from the skull in use by a rigid plate which isalso deformed similarly to the annular member to assist the latter inretaining its shape. This ear piece is arranged to fit over the outerear and seat against the skull with uniform pressure around its entireperiphery. Means are provided in the form of a steel spring wire headmember to hold a pair of such ear pieces on the head of the user.

The ear pieces of my said copending application were designed primarilyto prevent access of Water to the inner ear. I have found that these earpieces are absolutely water-tight, and in actual practice it isdifficult to remove them after they have been worn for any length oftime. After the ear pieces have been worn for even a short time a vacuumis set up Within the ear pieces which causes discomfort when an attemptis made to remove the ear pieces.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fittingfor holding the ear piece against the skull which incorporates a valveso that when it is desired to remove the ear pieces the valve may beturned to equalize pressures inside and outside the ear piece so thatthe ear piece may be removed without discomfort.

It is another object of the invention to provide a valve which is sotight that when it is in closed position access of water to the insideof the ear piece is prevented.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a fitting as aboveoutlined which Will be simple in construction and foolproof inoperation.

These and other objects of the invention which I shall point out ingreater detail hereinafter, or which will be apparent to one skilled inthe art upon reading these specifications, I accomplish by that certainconstruction and arrangement of parts, of which I shall now disclosecertain exemplary embodiments.

Reference is made to the drawings forming a part hereof, and in which:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a head set including two earpieces according to my said copending application and a spring steelhead band;

Figure 2 is an elevational view of one ofthe ear pieces on an enlargedscale as 'seen'on"the 1ine 2"-2 of Fig. 1;

nited States Patent "ice Patented July 17, 1956 Figure 3 is a crosssectional view of the same taken on the line 33 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an elevational view of the same as seen from the oppositeside of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary detail cross sectional view on an enlargedscale taken on the line 55 of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing the parts in a diiferentposition;

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of the same taken on the line 77 ofFigure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the outer sleeve member; and

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7 showing a slight modification.

Briefly, in the practice of my invention I provide in the domed rigidmember of my copending application an aperture, and I close thisaperture by means of a grommetlike device having an axial bore partwaythrough, and a radial bore communicating with the axial bore. Adiametral bore also intersects the axial bore. The diametral bore servesfor engagement of the wire which constitutes the head band. Surroundingthe grommetlike member I provide two concentric sleeves, the inner ofwhich has a pair of diametrically opposed holes which are aligned withthe diametral bore and through which the head band wire passes, andwhich sleeve also has a hole communicating with the radial bore; theouter sleeve is provided with a hole capable of communicating with theradial bore, and with a pair of diametrically opposed slots throughwhich the head band wire passes. The head band wire thereby limits therotational movement of the outer sleeve with respect to the inner sleeveand serves to hold all the parts in assembly. The hole in the outersleeve is so disposed that at one limit of rotational movement of theouter sleeve the hole in the outer sleeve is aligned with the hole inthe inner sleeve and the radial bore, and so that at the other limit ofrotation of the outer sleeve the communication with the radial bore isinterrupted.

The ear pieces are generally indicated at 10, it being understood thatthese are mirror images of each other. Generally speaking, they are heldtogether against the skull by means of a head band element 11, which maybe a piece of spring steel wire or the like. The ear pieces 10 includethe rubber or like annular member 19a, and the rigid dome-like member10b.

According to my present invention the member 10b is provided with a hole100, and a grommet-like member of rubber or other suitable materialindicated at 12 is engaged in the hole 10c by means of an annular groove12a. The engagement between the member 12 and the member 10b must, ofcourse, be water tight.

The member 12 has a partial axial bore 13 which communicates with theinside of the ear piece. A diametral bore 14 intersects the axial bore13 and is smaller in diameter. The diametral bore 14 is of such adiameter that the ends of the member 11 pass through it in watertightrelationship so that while water cannot leak through the wire 11 and thebore 14, yet the ear piece as a whole may be moved longitudinally of thewire for adjustment, if desired.

A radial bore 15 communicates with the axial bore 13.

Surrounding the member 12 are the concentric sleeves 16 and 17. Theinner sleeve 16 is provided with the holes 16a and 16b. It will beobserved that the holes 1612 are diametrically opposed and serve for thepassage of the member 11, and the hole 16a is positioned in alignmentwith the radial bore 15.

The outer sleeve 17 is provided with the diametrically opposed slots 17aand the air hole 17b. The slots 17a serve for the passage of the member11 and permit of a limited degree of rotation of the sleeve 17 withrespect to the sleeve 16. It will be observed that the hole 17b is sopositioned in relation to the slots 17a that at one limit of rotation ofthe sleeve 17 the hole 17b is in alignment with the hole 16a, andtherefore, with the radial bore and the axial bore 13, as best seen inFigure 6. At the other limit of rotation of the sleeve 17 it Will beobserved that the hole 17b-is no longer aligned with the hole 16a andthe radial bore 15 and axial bore 13. This position is shown in Figure5.

From the foregoing it will be clear that the member 11 passes throughapertures in the sleeve 16 and 17 and the member 12 so as to hold thetwo sleeves in assembled relation with the member 12. The member 11 alsoserves as a limiting stop for rotation of the outer sleeve 17 from aposition where communication is established between the inside andoutside of the ear piece, and a position where communication between theoutside and inside of the ear piece is interrupted.

In actual practice I have made the inside diameter of the outer sleeve.0005 larger than the outside diameter of the inner sleeve. I have foundthat with these dimensions the device is entirely waterproof when thevalve is in the closed position. When the valve is turned to the openposition the ear piece may easily be removed from the ear withoutdiscomfort, and conversely, the open valve allows trapped air to escapewhen the ear pieces are put on, so that excess pressure on the ear drumsis relieved. The valves are then of course turned to closed positionbefore entering the water.

In Figure 9 I have shown a minor modification where the inner sleeve 26is externally threaded, and the outer sleeve 27 is internally threaded.The device operates in exactly the same way as the device thus fardescribed, the only difference being a threaded engagement between thetwo sleeves instead of a slip ring engagement between them. I have foundthat the embodiment of Figure 7 is just as watertight as that of Figure9, but in some instances the embodiment of Figure 9 may be moredesirable.

I have shown the member 12 as made of rubber, but it to be understoodthat this may be natural or synthetic rubber or any other suitablematerial. The sleeve 16 and 17 or 26 and 27 may be made of stainlesssteel, on if desired, they may be of anodized aluminum which isconsiderably less expensive and substantially as resistant to corrosion.

It will also be understood that the ear piece as a whole may be adjustedalong the member 11 and yet the engagement of the member 11 in thediametral bore 14 is tight enough so that no Water can leak through.

It Will be clear that numerous modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention, and I therefore do not intendto be limited except as set forth in the claims which follow.

Having now fully described my invention what I claim as new and desireto secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. An ear piece fitting for use with an ear piece having an imperviouswall having a hole therein comprising an element of resilient materialsecurable in watertight relation to the circular edge of said hole, saidelement having an incomplete axial bore communicating with said hole, adiametral bore in said element intersecting said axial bore and ofsmaller diameter, a radial bore in said element communicating with saidaxial bore, an inner metallic sleeve snugly embracing said element andhaving a pair of diametrically opposed holes communicating with saiddiametral bore and a third hole communicating with said radial bore, anouter metallic sleeve snugly embracing said inner sleeve and'havingdiametrically opposed peripheral slots and an air hole, and a retainingmember passing through the slots in said outer sleeve, the diametricallyopposed holes in said inner sleeve, and watertight through saiddiametral bore to hold said member and sleeves in assembledrelationship, the slots in said outer sleeve permitting a rotationthereof with respect to said inner sleeve within the limits of thelength of said slots, the air hole being positioned in relation to saidslots so that at one limit of rotation of said outer sleeve said airhole communicates with said third hole, radial bore and axial bore, andat the other limit of rotation of said outer sleeve said communicationis interrupted.

2. In combination with an impervious ear piece, a valve for selectivelypermitting passage of air through said ear piece, comprising a plugextending through said ear piece in watertight relation and having apartial axial bore communicating with the inside of said ear piece, anda radial bore communicating with said axial bore to the outside of saidear piece, a sleeve embracing said plug in watertight relation, a holein said sleeve adapted to be aligned with said radial bore,diametrically opposed slots in said sleeve and a diametral hole in saidplug, and pin means passing through said diametral hole and engaging insaid slots for holding said sleeve in assembly with said plug, said pinmeans serving also as a step for limiting rotational movement of saidplug to the extent of said slots, the hole in said sleeve being locatedwith respect to said slots so that said hole is aligned with said radialbore at one limit of said rotational move ment.

3. In combination: a valve comprising a plug of resilient materialhaving a partial axial bore and a radial bore communicating with saidaxial bore, a first metallic sleeve embracing said plug in watertightrelation and having a hole in alignment with said radial bore, a radialpin passing through other holes in said plug and sleeve to hold them inassembly, a second metallic sleeve ernbracing said first sleeve inwatertight relation, a hole and a slot in said second sleeve, said pinpassing through said slot and limiting rotational movement of saidsecond sleeve with respect to said first sleeve to the extent of saidslot, said hole in said second sleeve being disposed with respect tosaid slot so that said hole is aligned with the hole in said firstsleeve at one limit of said rotational movement; and an impervious earpiece having a hole, said plug being mounted in said last named hole inwatertight relation, and means to hold said ear piece against the skull.

4. In combination: a valve comprising a plug of resilient materialhaving a partial axial bore and a radial bore communicating with saidaxial bore, a first metallic sleeve embracing said plug in watertightrelation and having a hole in alignment with said radial bore, a secondmetallic sleeve embracing said first sleeve in watertight relation, ahole in said second sleeve adapted to be aligned with said radial bore,diametrically opposed slots in said sleeve and a diametral hole in saidplug, and pin means passing through said diametral hole and engaging insaid slots for holding said sleeve in assembly with said plug, said pinmeans serving also as a stop for limiting rotational movement of saidsecond sleeve with respect to said first sleeve to the extent of saidslots, the hole in said second sleeve being disposed with respect tosaid slots so that said hole is aligned with the hole in said firstsleeve at one limit of said rotational movement; and an impervious earpiece having a hole, said plug being mounted in said last named hole inWatertight relation, and means to hold said ear piece against the skull.

5. In combination: avalve comprising a plug of resilient material havinga partial axial bore and a radial bore communicating with said axialbore, a first metallic sleeve embracing said plug in watertight relationand having a hole in alignment with said radial bore, a radial pinpassing through other holes in said plug and sleeve to hold them inassembly, a second metallic sleeve embracing said first sleeve inwatertight relation, a hole and a slot in said second sleeve, said pinpassing through said slot and limiting rotational movement of saidsecond sleeve with respect to said first sleeve tothe extent of saidslot, said hole in said second sleeve being disposed with respect tosaid slot so that said hole is aligned with the hole in said firstsleeve at one limit of said rotational movement; and an impervious earpiece having a hole, and a headband, said plug being mounted in saidlast named hole in watertight relation, said pin being an end of saidheadband.

6. In combination: two valves, each comprising a plug of resilientmaterial having a partial axial bore and a radial bore communicatingwith said axial bore, a first metallic sleeve embracing said plug inwatertight relation and having a hole in alignment with said radialbore, a radial pin passing through other holes in said plug and sleeveto hold them in assembly, a second metallic sleeve embracing said firstsleeve in watertight relation, a hole and a slot in said second sleeve,said pin passing through said slot and limiting rotational movement ofsaid second sleeve with respect to said first sleeve to the extent ofsaid slot, said hole in said second sleeve being disposed with respectto said slot so that said hole is aligned with the hole in said firstsleeve at one limit of said rotational movement; and two impervious earpieces, each having a hole, said plugs being mounted, respectively, insaid last named holes in watertight relation, and a connecting headband,the pins of said two valves being respectively the two ends of saidheadband.

7. In combination: a valve comprising a plug of resilient materialhaving a partial axial-bore and a radial bore communicating with saidaxial bore, and means for closing said radial bore; and an imperviousear piece having a hole, said plug being mounted in said hole inwatertight relation, with said axial bore opening within said ear piece,and said radial bore and the closing means therefor being disposedoutside said ear piece, and means to hold said ear piece against theskull.

8. In combination: a valve comprising a plug of resilient materialhaving a partial axial bore and a radial bore communicating with saidaxial bore, means for closing said radial bore, radial holes in saidplug and closing means, and a radial pin passing through said radialholes to hold said closing means and plug in assembly; and an imperviousear piece having a hole, and a headband, said plug being mounted in saidlast named hole in watertight relation, with said axial bore openingwithin said ear piece, and said radial bore an the closing meanstherefor and said pin being disposed outside said ear piece, said pinbeing an end of said headband.

9. In combination: two valves each comprising a plug of resilientmaterial having a partial axial bore and a radial bore communicatingwith said axial bore, means for closing said radial bore, radial holesin said plug and closing means, and a radial pin passing through saidradial holes to hold said closing means and plug in assembly; and twoimpervious ear pieces each having a hole, and a headband, said plugsbeing mounted in said last named holes in watertight relation, with saidaxial bores opening within said ear pieces, and said radial bores andthe closing means therefor and said pins being disposed outside said earpieces, said pins being the ends of said headband.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS631,435 Pickles Aug. 22, 1899 715,623 Stretch Dec. 9, 1902 1,439,744Mellor Dec. 26, 1922 1,520,367 Pengilly Dec. 23, 1924 2,201,275 SlusherMay 21, 1940 2,327,620 Cole Aug. 24, 1943 2,468,721 Volkmann Apr. 26,1949 2,564,147 Bowling Aug. 14, 1951

